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Lalah Hathaway "Outrun The Sky" Jazz Music CD Review

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Lalah Hathaway, very talented Jazz artist has released her latest CD titled Outrun The Sky and Wow! It’s really a good one.

This one grabs your attention right out of the gate with How Many Times and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Boston, which by the way is another great track.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Lalah Hathaway’s most impressive releases ever.

If you’re a Lalah Hathaway fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of Hathaway, or even Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are How Many Times [track 1], Forever, For Always, For Love [track 4], and Outrun The Sky [track 6].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Your Favorite Song. It’s a great track!

Outrun The Sky Release Notes:

Lalah Hathaway originally released Outrun The Sky on Sep 28, 2004 on the ARK 21 label.

CD Track List Follows:

How Many Times Back Then Your Favorite Song Forever, For Always, For Love Better And Better Outrun The Sky If U Ever In The End Admit It Stronger We Were 2 More Boston

Personnel include: Lalah Hathaway (vocals); Mike City (various instruments); David Delhomme (guitar, keyboards); Chris Parks (guitar, bass guitar); John “Jubu” Smith (guitar); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Tim Carmon (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Michael White, Poogie Bell (drums); Ricky Rodriguez (percussion).

By: Tom Milson

Bona Fide "Soul Lounge" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

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Bona Fide, very talented Smooth Jazz artist has released his latest album titled Soul Lounge and Wow! It’s really a good one.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Bona Fide’s most impressive releases ever.

Listen to Soul Lounge and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, and the production is simply outstanding. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, The Journey. What a nice track!

Soul Lounge Release Notes:

Bona Fide originally released Soul Lounge on Sep 27, 2005 on the Heads Up Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Bona Fide Club

2. Funk Box

3. Soul Lounge

4. Girand’s

5. Midnight Train

6. The Journey

7. Bromo Tower

8. Deep Chill

9. 23rd Of May

10. B. More Knights

11. Rosebank Gang

Bona Fide: George Hazelrigg (guitar, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer piano); Kevin Levi (saxophone, keyboards); Tim Camponeschi (keyboards, bass guitar); John E. Coale (drums); Howard Zizzi (percussion). Additional personnel: Rick Aurich, Willie Williams (guitar); Chuck Loeb (electric guitar); Jimmy Wilson (flugelhorn); Joe Ercole (keyboards)

By: Tom Milson

Craig Chaquico "Four Corners" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

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I can describe the latest release from Smooth Jazz sensation Craig Chaquico for you with just one word… Outstanding!

Four Corners launches with an outstanding track, The Drifter, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It’s a really nice track.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Overall Four Corners is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Smooth Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Forbidden Love, track 4, Red Rocks, and track 7, A Mothers Heart.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Somebody To Love. Good stuff!

Four Corners Release Notes:

Craig Chaquico originally released Four Corners on Jun 29, 1999 on the Higher Octave record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Drifter

2. Forbidden Love

3. Turquoise Moon

4. Red Rocks

5. Arizona Daybreak

6. Somebody To Love – (featuring 3rd Force)

7. A Mothers Heart

8. Haight Ashbury

9. Samba Del Rio

10. Borders

11. Four Corners

Personnel includes: Craig Chaquico (guitar); Richard Hardy (soprano saxophone); Everett Harp (saxophone); Alain Eskinasi, Craig Dobbin (keyboards); Derek Jones (bass); Wade Olson (drums). Producers include: Paul Brown, Russ Freeman, William Aura, Ozzie Ahlers, Craig Chaquico. Engineers include: Craig Chaquico, Ozzie Ahlers, William Aura. Recorded at Brauntosoarus, Woodland Hills, California; Cheyenne Mountain Ranch, Woodland Park, Colorado; Auravision, Ojai, California; Funky Joint Studios, Sherman Oaks, California. Live Recording.

By: Tom Milson